Newly-appointed VIA interim CEO Jeff Arndt speaks on Oct. 9, 2012, to VIA employees and the media shortly after current CEO Keith Parker announced his resignation to accept the general manager job at Atlanta's public transit agency. At back left is VIA board Chairman Henry Muñoz.

Newly-appointed VIA interim CEO Jeff Arndt speaks on Oct. 9, 2012, to VIA employees and the media shortly after current CEO Keith Parker announced his resignation to accept the general manager job at Atlanta's

Henry Muñoz (left) listens on Oct. 9, 2012, as VIA President and CEO Keith Parker talks about his resignation from VIA to accept the general manager job at Atlanta's public transit agency.

Henry Muñoz (left) listens on Oct. 9, 2012, as VIA President and CEO Keith Parker talks about his resignation from VIA to accept the general manager job at Atlanta's public transit agency.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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Henry Muñoz talks to a reporter on Oct. 9, 2012, about the resignation of VIA President and CEO Keith Parker.

Henry Muñoz talks to a reporter on Oct. 9, 2012, about the resignation of VIA President and CEO Keith Parker.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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Henry Muñoz III, Theresa Wyatt and Matt Johns were at the Southwest School of Art & Craft gala on Oct. 6, 2011, at the school.

Henry Muñoz III, Theresa Wyatt and Matt Johns were at the Southwest School of Art & Craft gala on Oct. 6, 2011, at the school.

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ, SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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Henry Muñoz III of Keller Muñoz Architects on Jan. 18, 2011.

Henry Muñoz III of Keller Muñoz Architects on Jan. 18, 2011.

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Henry Muñoz (right) of Mu¿oz-Jacobs Consortium fields questions after his firm was the declared the winner by the San Antonio Independent School District board to oversee the management of the $515 million bond program passed in 2010. Trish DeBerry (center) of Guerra DeBerry Coody is the consortium's communications associate. Muñoz-Jacobs Consortium will receive about $12 million for their services.

Henry Muñoz (right) of Mu¿oz-Jacobs Consortium fields questions after his firm was the declared the winner by the San Antonio Independent School District board to oversee the management of the $515 million

Henry Muñoz III (standing, left) makes a presentation to the San Antonio Independent School District Board on Dec. 29, 2010. Muñoz, representing Muñoz Jacobs, was there with two other groups that were vying for the position of Program Administrator for SAISD's 2010 Bond Program.

Henry Muñoz III (standing, left) makes a presentation to the San Antonio Independent School District Board on Dec. 29, 2010. Muñoz, representing Muñoz Jacobs, was there with two other groups that were vying

Henry R. Muñoz III, seen on Nov. 24, 2009, is the chairman of the board for VIA Metropolitan Transit. He is also CEO of the architecture firm Kell Muñoz.

Henry R. Muñoz III, seen on Nov. 24, 2009, is the chairman of the board for VIA Metropolitan Transit. He is also CEO of the architecture firm Kell Muñoz.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Henry R. Muñoz III, seen on Nov. 24, 2009, is the chairman of the board for VIA Metropolitan Transit. He is also CEO of the architecture firm Kell Muñoz.

Henry R. Muñoz III, seen on Nov. 24, 2009, is the chairman of the board for VIA Metropolitan Transit. He is also CEO of the architecture firm Kell Muñoz.

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Kell Muñoz Architects CEO Henry Muñoz, III (center) along with principal designer Geoffrey Edwards (left) and Ronnie Biediger (far left) speak to staff members at Texas A&M - San Antonio in a session to discuss design and building concepts for the new campus on Oct. 2, 2009. Ground-breaking is expected to occur April 2010. There are 2,341 students currently enrolled at the university.

VIA Board of Trustees Chairman Henry R. Muñoz III (left) and Mayor Julian Castro look at a map of the area showing where people live and work during the VIA SmartWay SA closing public meeting held Thursday Sept. 3, 2009 at Sunset Station. SmartWay SA is VIA's process for working with the community on a Long Range Comprehensive Transportation Plan (LRCTP) for San Antonio and the Bexar County area.

VIA Board of Trustees Chairman Henry R. Muñoz III (left) and Mayor Julian Castro look at a map of the area showing where people live and work during the VIA SmartWay SA closing public meeting held Thursday

Henry R. Muñoz III, chairman of the VIA Board of Trustees, right, embraces Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson as "Buster," the ViA Metropolitan Transit mascot, watches during a SmartWaySA press conference on Aug. 26, 2009. SmartWay SA is an outreach program to garner public input about proposed public transportation expansion.

Maria Alós, performance artist, Henry R. Muñoz III, founding chair of Museo Alameda, and Elizabeth Smith, chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, were inside one of the exhibits at the Mexico at the Museo exhibit on July 31, 2008, at the Museo Alameda.

Maria Alós, performance artist, Henry R. Muñoz III, founding chair of Museo Alameda, and Elizabeth Smith, chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, were inside one of the exhibits at the

Henry R. Muñoz III, Berto Guerra, Hope Andrade and Jerry Fuentes (all honorees) were at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort on July 10, 2007, for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Banquet.

Henry R. Muñoz III, Berto Guerra, Hope Andrade and Jerry Fuentes (all honorees) were at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort on July 10, 2007, for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

Sean Wolfington, executive producer, Eduardo Verástegui, actor, Henry R. Muñoz III, chairman, Smithsonian Institute Latino Center, and George Pond, director of development of Justice Foundation, were at the Empire Theater on June 25, 2007, for the private screening of "Bella."

Henry Muñoz is the founding chairman of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture, the non-profit organization behind the construction of the $12 million museum and the planned renovation of the Alameda Theater.

Henry Muñoz is the founding chairman of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture, the non-profit organization behind the construction of the $12 million museum and the planned renovation of the

Ford Motor Company CEO Bill Ford, right, tours the Museo Alameda at El Mercado on Jan. 23, 2007. Escorting Ford is Henry Muñoz III, founding chairman of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture. They were in a replica of a botanica, an exhibit by Franco Mondini-Ruiz.

METRO Henry Munoz talks at a planning meeting for the opening of the Museo Alameda Thursday at the Alameda Theater. HENRY MUNOZ MEETS WITH THE MUSEO ALAMEDA PLANNING COMMITTEE TOM REEL/STAFF SEPTEMBER 14, 2006.

METRO Henry Munoz talks at a planning meeting for the opening of the Museo Alameda Thursday at the Alameda Theater. HENRY MUNOZ MEETS WITH THE MUSEO ALAMEDA PLANNING COMMITTEE TOM REEL/STAFF SEPTEMBER 14, 2006.

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Henry Muñoz speaks at a planning meeting at the Alameda Theater on September 14, 2006.

Henry Muñoz speaks at a planning meeting at the Alameda Theater on September 14, 2006.

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Henry Muñoz (right) shows a group of Museo Alameda planning committee members the facility on Sept. 14, 2006.

Henry Muñoz (right) shows a group of Museo Alameda planning committee members the facility on Sept. 14, 2006.

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Kell Munoz principals and associates pose Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at their office in the Frost Bank building on Blanco at Loop 410. From left are Jerry Sparks, Claudia Carlos, Geof Edwards, Henry Munoz and Roland Perez. BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI/STAFF less

Kell Munoz principals and associates pose Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at their office in the Frost Bank building on Blanco at Loop 410. From left are Jerry Sparks, Claudia Carlos, Geof Edwards, Henry Munoz and ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

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Henry Muñoz III, chairman of The Alameda, John Quiñones, journalist, Rocky Egusquiza, director of community development and international strategy for Ford Motor Company Fund, Luben Montoya, interim director of the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives, and Jude Valdez, VP for extended services UTSA, were at the Institute of Texan Cultures on Aug. 10, 2005, for the "Our Journeys Our Stories" exhibit.

Henry Muñoz III, chairman of The Alameda, John Quiñones, journalist, Rocky Egusquiza, director of community development and international strategy for Ford Motor Company Fund, Luben Montoya, interim director

Amelia Garza, Jose Martinez (53rd Rey Feo) and Henry Muñoz lll, regent of the Consejo, were at the St. Anthony Hotel on April 28, 2001, for the El Consejo Real De Reyes Fecs Antiores reception.

Amelia Garza, Jose Martinez (53rd Rey Feo) and Henry Muñoz lll, regent of the Consejo, were at the St. Anthony Hotel on April 28, 2001, for the El Consejo Real De Reyes Fecs Antiores reception.

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ

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Henry Muñoz III talks on Oct. 13, 2000, about his philanthropy and being profiled in Philanthropy in Texas magazine during the Texas Philanthropy Hall of Fame Lunch and Learn at the Southwest School of Art and Craft.

Henry Muñoz III talks on Oct. 13, 2000, about his philanthropy and being profiled in Philanthropy in Texas magazine during the Texas Philanthropy Hall of Fame Lunch and Learn at the Southwest School of Art and

DAILY: City Councilman Bobby Perez (L), Lawrence Small (C), Secretary of the Smithsonian and Henry Munoz III, Founding Chairman of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture, unveil a model of what will be a museum that will house exhibits from the Smithsonian at Market Square. The museum wil open in the spring of 2002. Staff Photo By: John Davenport less

DAILY: City Councilman Bobby Perez (L), Lawrence Small (C), Secretary of the Smithsonian and Henry Munoz III, Founding Chairman of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture, unveil a model of what ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, JD

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OTS/BROTHERS - 1877 - Henry Munoz lll (chairman of the board at the Alameda and co-host of event), Larry Small (Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute), Mary Worth (Alemeda volunteer) and Ricardo Romo (co-host of event and Pres of UTSA) were at the Institute of Texan Cultures 5/4 for "Smithsonian in San Antonio Gala". names checked photo by leland a. outz less

OTS/BROTHERS - 1877 - Henry Munoz lll (chairman of the board at the Alameda and co-host of event), Larry Small (Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute), Mary Worth (Alemeda volunteer) and Ricardo Romo (co-host ... more

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ

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Henry Munoz III, King Anchovy and honoree, Carolyn Thornton, Guillermo Nicolas, event chairman, and Bill Thornton were at the old Frost building on April 29, 2000, for the King Anchovy Ball.

Henry Munoz III, King Anchovy and honoree, Carolyn Thornton, Guillermo Nicolas, event chairman, and Bill Thornton were at the old Frost building on April 29, 2000, for the King Anchovy Ball.

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ

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Ray Chavez, coordinator of Cornyation XXXV, Michelle Kelly, Henry R. Muñoz III, King Anchovy 2000, and Karen Kelly were at the Empire Theatre on April 26, 2000, for the Cornyation.

Ray Chavez, coordinator of Cornyation XXXV, Michelle Kelly, Henry R. Muñoz III, King Anchovy 2000, and Karen Kelly were at the Empire Theatre on April 26, 2000, for the Cornyation.

Photo: LELAND A. OUTZ

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Henry Muñoz III is The King of the Cornyation XXXV - 2000 The Court of The Devilishy Decadent Decades.

Henry Muñoz III is The King of the Cornyation XXXV - 2000 The Court of The Devilishy Decadent Decades.

Photo: CHARLES BARKSDALE, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Henry Muñoz III as El Rey Feo leads a group of folks through a dance routine at the Goodwill Fair on the grounds of Goodwill Industries at 3830 Pleasanton Road. The baby being held is 6-month-old Marcus Suarez. Shamu the Whale is behind Rey Feo and Jose Luna, a Goodwill participant, is holding on to Shamu.

Henry Muñoz III as El Rey Feo leads a group of folks through a dance routine at the Goodwill Fair on the grounds of Goodwill Industries at 3830 Pleasanton Road. The baby being held is 6-month-old Marcus

Muñoz will be the national party's chief fundraiser. He proved himself in the role during the 2012 presidential campaign.

One of four national chairmen of the Futuro Fund, a national initiative by Latino leaders to support Obama's re-election, Muñoz helped raise a reported $30 million for the president.

“He's very skilled at fundraising,” said Mayor Julián Castro, one of 35 national co-chairmen for Obama's campaign. “He helped stand up a fundraising operation in a short time frame, and it was a break-through effort.”

Muñoz, 53, was in Washington on Tuesday for the DNC winter meeting, while in San Antonio he was re-elected chairman of the VIA transit board. He couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

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Muñoz's rise within the party could indicate a shift in the perception of Texas and its politics.

“If there's an important signal here, it's that all the Democratic talk about putting Texas in play is going to be advanced by appointing Henry Muñoz to this position because he's already deeply involved in Texas Democratic Party politics, and he can help, not just fundraise nationally, but try to help in ensuring Texas Democrats have funding for their statewide offices and Legislative races in particular,” said Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University.

Latinos have held powerful roles within the party before.

Linda Chavez-Thompson, a San Antonio labor leader, received a standing ovation from members when she was recognized for her work for the committee as she stepped down as its vice chairwoman.

A former executive vice president of the AFL-CIO, Chavez-Thompson was replaced Tuesday by Los Angeles labor leader Maria Elena Durazo.

Muñoz was elected to replace Jane Stetson, a prolific fundraiser from Vermont.

DNC finance chairman is at the bottom of a list of nine elected officials within the committee, which include chairman, vice chairmen, a secretary and treasurer.

But his success in the role nationally could prove critical in Texas, where Democrats are pushing for a political shift.

“The absolutely crippling shortcoming of the Texas Democratic Party is in its inadequate fundraising,” Jillson said. “Its gubernatorial candidates, its Senate candidates — really, all of its candidates go up against Republicans who have 10-, 12-, 15-to-1 fundraising advantages.”

He hinted last fall he might not return for another term, around the time that former VIA President and CEO Keith Parker announced he was leaving the organization. But in a written statement Tuesday, Muñoz laid out changes at the agency since his tenure as chairman began four years ago — the groundwork for a still-controversial downtown streetcar system and the launch last month of VIA's first bus rapid transit line.

“I would be grateful for the opportunity to finish what we started, and I look forward to serving another term as chairman of the VIA Board of Trustees,” he wrote.

Terms are two years.

Muñoz was on a slate of new officers elected by the DNC during the one-day meeting.

As DNC finance chairman, he's being asked to take his successful fundraising skills from Texas and build a national network to help elect Democrats in 2014.

Muñoz's new role with the DNC highlights the rise of Latinos from South Texas following Obama's re-election.

Considered one of Obama's top bundlers for the campaign, Muñoz joined actress Eva Longoria and Mayor Castro in the president's re-election effort.

Muñoz was in Washington Sunday to serve as executive producer of the Latino Inaugural 2013 — a gala that celebrated Hispanic culture and the arts, and the first event featuring Latinos at a presidential inauguration.

Longoria served as hostess of the event, and Castro, who delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, spoke at the Latino Inaugural about the legacy of the Kennedy family among Latinos.

The election of Muñoz to DNC finance chairman was seen by some as an act of gratitude by Obama, who tapped the San Antonio businessman for the national party position.

Obama did not carry Texas in the 2012 election, but won Bexar County, and funds raised by Muñoz in the Lone Star state aided the campaign's national effort and Latino outreach.

Longoria was active in the Obama campaign in 2008 and took a more significant role in 2012.

His appointment is “an opportunity to raise the Hispanic profile nationally in the Democratic Party and Democratic fundraising,” Jillson said. “If he's at all well-advised, (Muñoz) will be looking at Texas... and asking, 'What can we do here?'”

That question, Jillson said, isn't just for national coffers but for Texas Democrats as well. Without better fundraising, he said, “there is nobody who is going to be competitive statewide.”